Control of micro-organisms on plants with 1-hydroxymethylpyrazoles

Abstract

A method of protecting plants and seeds thereof which are susceptible to attack by microorganisms. To the plant or seed is applied a compound having the formula ##STR1## wherein R and R' are independently selected from hydrogen and alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and R" is a moiety selected from the group consisting of (a) hydrogen, (b) a halogen atom selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br and I, and (c) a nitro group or the hydrochloride salt of the compound. The method disclosed is especially useful for protecting ornamental plants, vegetable plants and cereal crop plants and seeds thereof which are susceptible to attack by microorganisms. A composition containing the compound of formula I for use in protecting plants which are susceptible to attack by microorganisms is also provided.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for controlling microorganisms on a plant comprising applying to a plant selected from an ornamental plant, a fruit plant, a vegetable plant or a cereal crop plant or the seed thereof an amount sufficient to inhibit the growth and proliferation of at least one microorganism on said plant or seed of a compound of the formula I ##STR3## wherein R and R' are independently selected from hydrogen and an alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and R" is a moiety selected from the group consisting of (a) hydrogen, (b) a halogen atom selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br and I, and (c) a nitro group, or the hydrochloride salt of said compound. 
     
     
       2. The method of claim 1, wherein said applying comprises spraying a composition comprising the compound of formula I. 
     
     
       3. The method of claim 2, wherein said sufficient amount is in the range of about 2,500 to about 30,000 parts per million of said composition. 
     
     
       4. The method of claim 3, wherein said sufficient amount is in the range of about 15,000 to about 25,000 parts per million of said composition. 
     
     
       5. The method of claim 1, wherein said compound is 3,5-dimethyl-1-hydroxymethylpyrazole. 
     
     
       6. The method of claim 1, wherein said compound is 3,5-dimethyl-1-hydroxymethylpyrazole hydrochloride. 
     
     
       7. The method of claim 1, wherein said microorganism is selected from the group consisting of bacteria and fungi. 
     
     
       8. The method of claim 7, wherein said microorganism is a bacteria selected from the group consisting of Erwinia caratovora, agrobacteria, corynebacteria, Xanthomonas sp., Pseudomonas sp., Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. 
     
     
       9. The method of claim 7, wherein said microorganism is a fungus selected from the group consisting of Pythium ultimum, Helminthosporium sativum, Rhizoctonia solani, Monilia fructicola, Fusarium oxysporum, Peronospora parasitica and Alternaria solani. 
     
     
       10. The method of claim 1, comprising applying said compound or hydrochloride salt to said plant or seed two or more times.